Christmas markets in and around the city centre

2025 Christmas is coming to Bologna

Discover unmissable Christmas Markets in Bologna

A visit to the city' s oldest market, the Santa Lucia Fair, located under one of its most beautiful and distinctive porticoes - recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. From 2025 November 17 to December 26, the manifold stalls and wooden kiosks along the arcades of Strada Maggiore will be offering the widest range of original crib figures, as well as everything else needed for a merry, colourful and memorable Christmas.

By popular demand, the French Christmas Village returns to Piazza Minghetti for the feast of the Immaculate Conception from 5 to 8 December 2025. Numerous gazebos with traditional specialities from handicrafts to gastronomy will welcome visitors and aficionados.

©Pietrobondi

While we're on the subject of Bologna's classic markets, a special mention must be made of the Christmas Fair in via Altabella, from 2025 November 21 to 2026 January 6. Costume jewellery, sweets, gift ideas and much more for Christmas shopping are awaiting just a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, next to St. Peter's Cathedral. 

Moreover, under the Voltone del Podestà, from 12 to 24 December 2025, the stalls of the traditional Antiques Fair will be displaying unique vintage items. In Piazza XX Settembre, in a period tbd, Christmas in Porta Galliera will be welcoming all guests arriving or departing from the nearby train and bus stations with a warm and magical atmosphere. 

As for the famous Artists' Handicraft Markets, where you can find special items and small handicrafts from the Christmas period, they will take place:

• DecomelArt - via San Giuseppe, set up on 1, 2, 14, 15,16, 28, 29, 30 November and 5 to 24 December 2025;
• San Giuseppe Color - via San Giuseppe, set up on 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 November and 5 to 24 December 2025;
• Kurbis - via Altabella, set up on 21, 22, 28, 29 November and 5, 6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 December 2025.

In a period tbd, the countryside comes to town with the pre-Christmas market Nadel dal Cuntaden on via Rizzoli, where you can find fresh local produce. In a period tbd, the charity point ANT Market, will be located between via Rizzoli, Piazza Maggiore and Piazza Galvani.

In addition, a solidarity Christmas market is held every year in the cloister of the Basilica of St. Francesco in a period tbd from 9-12 am and 3-7 pm. The proceeds from these markets support the structures of the Basilica and the Franciscan Order.

Still, in a period tbd, don't miss the magical world of Christmas at Grand Tour Italia: with an ice-skating rink for everyone, seasonal food stands and dinners, stalls and handicraft gifts, the experience at the food park is even more engaging!

Finally, if you are looking for a Christmas tree, visit the Christmas Tree Market from 6 to 24 December 2025 in Piazza Trento e Trieste, within' the temporary seasonal market area of the district.

Bologna during Epiphany?

Family, children and adults will enjoy the Epiphany Fair in via Indipendenza, via Rizzoli, via Ugo Bassi in Bologna city centre from 2 to 6 January 2026 and get a lot of sweets and candies!

Article being updated